European Business & Management 2020; 6(6): 128-135 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ebm doi: 10.11648/j.ebm.20200606.11 ISSN: 2575-579X (Print); ISSN: 2575-5811 (Online)

The Socio-Economic Impacts of Development in : A Pilot Study

Alpha Thullah 1, *, Hongna Liu 2

1College of Tourism and Cuisine, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin City, People’s Republic of China 2Business School, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin City, People’s Republic of China

Email address:

*Corresponding author To cite this article: Alpha Thullah, Hongna Liu. The Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism Development in Sierra Leone: A Pilot Study. European Business & Management . Vol. 6, No. 6, 2020, pp. 128-135. doi: 10.11648/j.ebm.20200606.11

Received : October 31, 2020; Accepted : November 16, 2020; Published : November 27, 2020

Abstract: Tourism is a fast-growing industry, and one of the most vital sectors that drive the economic growth of a nation. This current work investigates the socio-economic impact of tourism in Sierra Leone. Therefore, the objectives of this research are to (1) analyze the contribution of tourism to national employment and poverty alleviation (2) analyze the contribution of tourism to the local economy (3) assess the impacts of tourism on destination regions in Sierra Leone. A total of 130 respondents from different works of life are targeted for this study. Results revealed that tourism have provided employment opportunities for many people especially youths. However, the nature of employment ranged from full time to part time. Tourism has also help many locals to establish business enterprises to meet the needs and demands of tourists. This has contributed to local economic growth in most part of the country. Both positive and negative impacts of tourism were identified on this current study. The positive impacts included cultural exchange between tourists and local people, infrastructural development in tourist destination communities or areas, and local currency flow. Soaring crime rates, cultural invasion, high cost of living are some of the negative implications of tourism identified by respondents. Keywords: Development, Impact, Socio-economic, Sierra Leone, Tourism

Statistic from the 2018 Sierra Leone Integrated Household 1. Introduction Survey reveals that income poverty is still high, especially in Tourism is seen as a poverty alleviation, economic rural areas [5]. The World Bank Group in 2018 outlined that diversification and inter-cultural strategy in most regions of in order to prevent the Sierra Leone economy from exogenic the world. It had been described as one of the fastest-growing shocks, the country must consider diversifying its economy industry in terms of revenue generation and employment and create poverty-alleviating jobs outside of agriculture and opportunities [1]. The revenue generation emanating from the mining sector [6]. Thus, the Government of Sierra Leone international tourism is roughly 1.5 trillion USD annually [2]. has considered tourism as a priority sector for economic Many countries have recorded huge socio-economic benefit diversification. Sierra Leone is well fit to become an from the tourism sector, and thus have prioritized tourism as international tourism destination due to its excellent climate, a useful tool to spur economic growth. For example in beautiful beaches and parks, rich culture and nice people Tanzania, an earlier report suggested that the contribution of forested mountains and among others [7]. The tourism tourism in revenues was US$2.1 billion (i.e. 4.7 percent of industry has experienced major growth in recent years. The total GDP), provided 470,500 jobs, contributed total export development of an international tourist’s destination will earnings of approximately US $2,446.6 million, and US$ 1.2 help to solve some of the problems of job scarcity to certain billion investment in 2016 [3]. Also in Thailand, foreign level. Local businesses such as hotels, airlines, and earning from tourism resulted in the creation of transportation will create new jobs and generate income for approximately 2.4 million jobs in 2015 [4]. the country which is drivers for economic growth [8]. Therefore, there is a need for the government to diversify the 129 Alpha Thullah and Hongna Liu: The Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism Development in Sierra Leone: A Pilot Study country’s economy in a sustainable way through investment 2. Materials and Methods in tourism [9]. Because tourism is a booming industry in the world, the 2.1. Description of Study Area industry has been at the core of a wide array of research. For The current study was conducted in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, example, a recent study assessed resident perception of Makeni and Portloko in Sierra Leone. Freetown is located on tourism in Iran [10]. Another study used a gender approach the Western Area of Sierra Leone, and it is the capital city of to assess the perfection of people on tourism’s impact and the country. Further, Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Portloko are employment opportunities in the tourism industry in Jordan the regional headquarter towns for the Southern, Eastern, [11]. Furthermore, the economic and social ramifications of Northern and North-East regions respectively. These areas tourism on destination regions have been a thematic area of were taking as representative sample of Sierra Leone increasing scholarly investigation worldwide. For example the considering hospitality industries and other touristic attraction relationship between tourism and economic growth in India centers are found therein. has been reported [12]. A new study has investigated the relationship between tourism specialization, economic 2.2. Study Population growth, and human development in Poland [13]. Gnanapala and Sandaruwani studied the socio-economic impacts of The populations targeted by the study were civil servants tourism development and their implications on local from the Ministry of Tourism, Hotels and beach communities in Sri Lanka [14]. In a similar vein, Khandare owners/managers, staff from the Local District Council, and investigated the social and cultural impact of tourism National Revenue Authority (NRA), Statistic Sierra Leone development in Thailand [15]. (SSL) and other stakeholders who have a stake in the Africa is a home to myriad natural and cultural resources hospitality industry. The number of participants in the study that are of high tourist attraction, as noted by the increasing were: Mankeneh community (10 respondents), Manonkoh figures of tourist’s visits to the continent in recent years. The community (10 respondents), Mayoloh community (10 continent has recorded a handful of studies on tourism. For respondents), the Ministry of Tourism (7 civil servants), example, the socio-economic and environmental impacts of hotel/beach managers (7 respondents), Local District tourism development have been well documented in Council (7 staff) the Nation Revenue Authority (7 staff), Botswana [16]. An earlier study evaluated the economic Statistic Sierra Leone (7 staff), and 65 stakeholders from the potential of [17]. In Ethiopia, the impact tourism industry in Sierra Leone who were randomly of tourism on livelihood diversification outcome was recently selected. A total of 130 respondents were considered for this reported [1]. In Sierra Leone, studies on tourism are rare as study. the industry has not attracted a great research interest. 2.3. Data Collection Methods However, there are few existing studies identified in the wider literature. For example, Betts investigated the role of 2.3.1. Questionnaires Approach tourism in Sierra Leone’s development [18]. Shakya Questionnaires were administered to respondents who conducted a competitiveness assessment on tourism in Sierra could not read and write, and who have no access to the Leone [7]. Kongoley-MIH investigated the factors that inhibit internet. On the other hand, the questionnaires were sent to the development of tourism in Sierra Leone after the civil war respondents via Google form for respondents who could read, [19]. The study of Jackson and Tamuke used Box-Jenkins write, and have access to the internet. This method helped the ARIMA models to predict tourists’ arrival in Sierra Leone authors to reach many people and got responses from places [20]. To the best of our knowledge, there is no existing they could not reach. literature on the socio-economic impact of tourism in Sierra Leone. This study therefore seeks to fill in the literature gap 2.3.2. Interview in the tourism industry in Sierra Leone. The overriding aim of Close ended questions were used during the method, and it this study was to access the socio-economic impacts of proved to be very efficient as respondents were able to give tourism development in Sierra Leone. The specific objectives accurate answers on the topic. Also structured interviews were were to (1) analyze the contribution of tourism to national conducted for respondents that made it easy to compare and employment and poverty alleviation (2) analyze the evaluate respondents’ answers in a most objective and fair contribution of tourism to the local economy (3) assess the way. impacts of tourism on destination regions in Sierra Leone. 2.3.3. Data Analysis This study is important in the sense that it will help the Google form has the ability to analyse responses in real government of Sierra Leone to formulate and review policies time. However, since we used both Google form and on socio-economic issues around the tourism sector. printed questionnaires, the final analyses was done using Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and international Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The partners, local businesses and potential investors will find this software was used to draw tables, descriptive ratio statistics, work meaningful as it will present relevant information to and charts. potential investors in Sierra Leone. European Business & Management 2020; 6(6): 128-135 130

3. Result and Discussion the tourism industry have low-grade jobs such as cleaners, drivers, cooks, watchmen, with only a handful holding 3.1. Employment Opportunities Available in the Tourism managerial positions [16]. Industry in Sierra Leone The type of skills could also determine the nature of Respondents were asked about tourism related employment employment in the tourism industry whether it is full time, opportunities. Results obtained from them showed that 59% part-time or seasonal. In Sierra Leone, there is a handful of strongly agreed that tourism have provided job opportunities tourism activities that are seasonal and therefore the for local residents, where as 35% agreed to the same view. employment opportunities around them are the same. From However, 4% of the respondents had reservation about the figure 1, 27% strongly agreed and 51% agreed to the question that was posed to them, thus remained neutral; while seasonality nature of the employment opportunities in the 1% disagreed and 1% strongly disagreed. The contrasting tourism industry. Further, 2% strongly disagreed and 9% responses recorded herein might be as a result of the disagreed that tourism related jobs are seasonal. These latter employment leakages that characterized the tourism sector set of respondents have the opinion that the tourism industry wherein local residents are often neglected over non-local provides full time employment. In spite of these mix assertion, residents. The lack of requisite skills could be another 11% of respondents remained neutral since they could not challenge local residents would encounter in gaining answer the question. It is important to note that some of the employment in the tourism industry. It is Important to note respondents interviewed were employees working in the that the tourism industry could only grow or develop if good tourism sector for the Government of Sierra Leone on full time quality human resources is employed and sustained overtime basis. Regardless of the employment typology, the literature [21]. acknowledges that the employment challenges in the tourism If local residents lack the required skills, it may result to sector are unstable employment, and poor condition of poor condition of service including poor salary or wages. For service [21]. example in the current study 54% of the respondents stated Because of the employment typology in tandem with other that local resident were poorly paid by the tourism business factors, tourism industry may provide more jobs for operators. While 32% of respondents did not subscribe to the non-locals more than local residents and vice versa. However, view that lack of skills could lead to poor employment this may depend on the employment status, and skill level of conditions, 14% did not vent out their opinions, thus remained local residents. The current study has shown 67% of the neutral. However, a recent study asserted that local residents respondents agreed that tourism creates employment normally lack the technical know-how and the marketing opportunities more for locals than non-locals. This is in skills that were mostly required in modern tourism agreement with a previous study in Sri Lanka that reported development. Consequently they are usually disadvantaged 52% of the locals were engaged in tourism-related jobs [14]. in terms of rights and power [22]. In our study, most of the job In our study, 18% of the respondents could not give a clear opportunities available in the tourism industry for the locals response, thus remained neutral. A handful (15%) of the are hut building, art and craft making, safety officers, respondents stated that tourism provide more jobs for securities, cleaning of the beach areas and tour guide. non-locals than local residents. Similarly, a study in Botswana reported that locals working in

Figure 1. Seasonality of tourism related jobs. 131 Alpha Thullah and Hongna Liu: The Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism Development in Sierra Leone: A Pilot Study

Table 1. Stakeholders response on local and outsiders employment. Respondents Ratio What is the employment ratio between outsiders and 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th locals in your facility? (For hotel/beach managers) 40%: 60% 25%: 75% 30%: 70% 40%: 60% 10%: 90% 35%: 65% 10%: 90% What is the ratio of employment of top positions between 35%: 65% 25%: 75% 40%: 60% 50%: 50% 35%: 65% 10%: 90% 15%: 85% locals and outsiders (for hotel/beach managers) What percentage of the total employment in Sierra Leone comes from tourism industry? (For SSL/NRA/Local 5% 5% 10% - 9% - - council) What is the estimated employment rate in Sierra Leone? 30% - 40% - 35% - - (For SSL/NRA/Local council)

*NB: 1 st - 7th means the number of respondent in each sector, - means respondents did not provide answer to the question. NRA=National Revenue Authority, SSL= Statistics Sierra Leone.

The issue of job provision for locals might create conflict in 3.2. The Contribution of Tourism to the Local Economy tourism destinations as locals may feel marginalized in tourism related employment schemes. Here, we analyzed the Tourism is instrumental in the setting up new small and information that was obtained from specific institutions such medium scale enterprises spur the growth of the existing as District Council’s staff, National Revenue Authority, businesses in destination regions [14]. Tourism businesses can be Statistic Sierra Leone, Beach Managers as well as Hotels classified into four service areas. They are “accommodation, Managers. Seven respondents from each of the food and beverage services, transportation and excursions aforementioned institutions were interviewed and their services and crafts and shopping items” [14]. From figure 2, 53% responses are showed in table 1. They were asked if they of the respondents agreed that tourism promote entrepreneurial prefer allocating jobs to locals than non-locals. The table attitude among locals. Further, 37% of the respondents strongly shows that locals are more employed in the tourism affirmed their assertions. The result obtained here accord well enterprises compared to non-locals. The employment ratio in with an earlier study in Sri Lanka where majority (66%) of the percentages indicates more than 60% - 70% respondents were locals were either directly or indirectly engaged in tourism in favour of the locals. This maybe as a result of the business/self-employment activities [14]. Result obtained from availability of many jobs in the hospitality industry which respondents indicate that majority of them that live in tourist does not requires high skilled labour force. attraction areas normally commence business activities as the The above table shows that 60-70% of the top cadre or inflow of tourists’ increases. Similarly, a study in Malaysia found managerial positions in the surveyed tourism enterprises that as the number of tourists increase, lots of local nationals are directed to non-locals. It is obvious that top engage in transportation services, handicraft production and managerial positions need highly trained and experienced sales, hotels and hospitality provision, food and beverage, people that the locals do not possess. Even if the owners of among other services in order to meet the demands of tourists the facilities may want to employ the locals, the problem is [23]. Further in Figure 2, 8% of the respondents remain neutral their lack of knowledge about managing a tourism while only 2% disagree with the assertion. The neutrality and enterprise. disagreement may come from the fact that many local residents do not engage in business activities due lack of capital.

70

60 53%

50

40 37%

30

20

10 2% 8% 0 Agree Disagree Neutral Strongly Agree

Figure 2. Tourism enhance entrepreneurial attitude among the local residents. European Business & Management 2020; 6(6): 128-135 132

Figure 3. Tourism creates new markets for local products.

From figure 3, 50% of the respondents strongly agreed negative impacts on tourist designated communities while 42% agreed that tourism activities create market for worldwide. The type, scale and magnitude of impacts vary their products. Tourism activities are good market source for from one country to another depending on national realities. the local produces. Many local people have huge market The study of Jaafar et al reviewed the perceived positive and during the peak tourism season because of the high arrival of negative social effects of tourism development [23]. There tourists. Tourism create many business opportunities through are factors that could influence public perception of tourism the promotion of tourism related businesses, products, and impacts and these have been detailed by other researchers services as well. If the business opportunities in tourism [10]. In the current study, respondents’ perceived tourism show an increase trend, there is a high tendency for a impacts were assessed. The results revealed respondents corresponding increase in the diversification of products and stated both positive and negative impacts of tourism. It is development of new product [1]. Afthanorhan and colleagues important to note that public perception of tourism impact used social exchange theory in assessing public perception of could predict their attitudes and behaviour toward tourism tourism impact in Terengganu Malaysia [24]. They found that development [10]. local residents held a firm conviction that the presence of tourism creates new business opportunities for them. From 3.4. Positive Impact of Tourism figure 3, 4% of the respondents remain neutral, 2% disagreed Sierra Leone has a unique culture and the display of while another 2% strongly disagreed that tourism create new traditional secret societies, magic is part of the country’s markets for local products. Few of the respondents do not culture. When tourist visits, locals normally entertained them agree with this assertion of market opportunities due to the by displaying different cultural activities. There are evidence fact that some tourists do not normally buy local goods. Taken of tourists taking part in these activities, as well as taking of as a whole, results showed that tourism had increased the photos. This helps in selling out the culture of Sierra Leone to earnings of majority (93%) of the respondents as opposed to 7% tourists. Respondents stated that most tourists are fond of of respondents who stated otherwise. interacting with locals, and making new friends. Locals stated An increase in the number of tourists’ arrival means an that tourists normally introduce new games to them, exchange increase in the foreign currency flow. Tourists normally come food and clothes with locals and discuss a range of cultural with foreign currencies which they changed to the local differences including marriage, burial ceremonies, and currency to help them in buying assorted things. The change religion among others. This is a unique form of promoting of foreign currencies by locals increase the flow of foreign cultural exchange between locals and foreigners. Result currency which is good for the country’s economy since the showed 90% of respondents stated tourism promotes cultural government can use it for the balance of payment. Majority of exchange between foreigners and locals, whereas 5% stated the respondents (91%) stated that tourism provides foreign otherwise and 6% reserved their opinion. The visit by tourists currency inflow, 3% stated never and 6% could not provide to local communities influence the social lifestyle of local response to the question and thus remain neutral. In some communities as 88% of respondents agreed that tourism have cases tourists give foreign currencies to locals for free as a changed their social values. Similar to our finding, Mensah sign of generosity. and Amuquandoh found that tourism activities have brought 3.3. Tourism Impacts improvements to the quality of life for poor residents in Ghana [25]. In contrast, 6% of respondents in the current The tourism industry has created both positive and study remain neutral, 6% disagreed that tourism have 133 Alpha Thullah and Hongna Liu: The Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism Development in Sierra Leone: A Pilot Study improved upon their quality of life, and the result is in line the income and revenue generation from tourism is much with a study in China [22]. higher than other local feasible livelihood options, tourism is Because of tourism business, Sierra Leone has seen a a widely accepted industry by local regardless of it negative growing infrastructural improvement in areas where tourists ramifications on local communities [15]. visit. A total of 90% of the respondents stated that tourism Even tourism enhance cultural exchange between locals brings development to the locals through infrastructure. and foreigners, some see this exchange as a practice that is Similarly, a study in Malaysia reported respondents eroding their cultural foundation. From our analysis, 48% of mentioned roads, hospitals, schools, parks, and restaurants as the respondents rejected the notion that tourism causes some of the infrastructural improvements due to tourism [23]. cultural invasion. However, 40% of the respondents agreed it In contrast, 8% of respondents in our study hold on to their has negatively impacted some norms and traditions especially opinions, while 2% disagreed to the contribution of tourism to in local communities. Our findings for those that agreed is infrastructural development. As tourism becomes a popular similar to a study in Sri Lanka that reported respondents economic diversification strategy in Sierra Leone, new agreed that tourism development has caused negative social recreational facilities have been established to meet the needs and cultural effects to tourism affected local communities [14]. and demands of tourist. Most of the respondents (88%) stated Nevertheless, 12% of respondents in our study could give a that tourism development has increased the number of clear response on this aspect and therefore remain neutral. It is recreational opportunities for the local residents, and 12% important to note that tourism impacts are not always stated never. The mix responses may likely be as a result of the positive, there can be negative ones as well especially on geographic location of the respondents. Respondents who live local communities which scale and magnitude cannot be in big cities and towns may agree with the increase in assesses by mere observation [24]. recreational facilities due to tourism as the construction or establishment of night clubs, bars and restaurants, hotels and 3.5.2. Negative Social Impacts of Tourism swimming pools have been on the rise in urban areas. Respondents stated that the high presence of tourists is However, these facilities are uncommon in rural areas where associated with an increase in prostitution rate among local girls tourists visit. This is perhaps the reason (s) for the divided and women, and drug use for sexual enhancement and other opinion on tourism impacts among respondents. purposes. Some of the respondents explained that some local youths normally sell drugs such as cannabis sativa (weed) to 3.5. Negative Impact of Tourism tourists - a substance consider as illegal to smoke or use in any form in Sierra Leone. Some of the respondents explained that 3.5.1. Impacts on Norms and Tradition local criminals come around tourist areas such as beaches, bars Despite the positive impact of tourism in destination and restaurant to perpetuate crimes such as pick pocketing, regions, there are negative impacts associated with the snatching phones of tourists and even locals. There are cases industry as well. There is a tendency for incoming tourists to wherein both tourists and locals have been robbed of their influence the norms and traditions of the communities they valuables by local gangs during high tourists’ period. This also visit. In most local communities in Sierra Leone, it is odd for creates a problem for people who live in these touristic areas. lovers or even married couple to display affection such as From our analysis, 32% of respondents stated that tourism kissing in public places. However, public expression of love is is not associated with social problems such as crime, drug use, a common practice among tourists especially those who bring and prostitution. They stated that these problems are endemic along their partners. Since it is uncommon among locals, some in the social fabric of the country. In a similar fashion, an of the respondents interviewed in this study stated that young earlier study in Malaysia found most of the study participants people in local communities might copy this public attitude did not agree with the negative impact of tourism [23]. In towards love relationship (e.g. kissing) especially at a time contrast, 52% of respondents in the current study asserted most young people are imitating western lifestyle. tourism is responsible for the social problems mentioned There are beautiful waterfalls and beaches along rivers in above, whereas 16% could state their views or opinions on the most local communities across Sierra Leone. These water question. Gnanapala and Sandaruwani stated tourism has the bodies are normally used for swimming, bathing, among other tendency for causing more negative downside mainly by uses. According to the local tradition of these communities, decreasing the socio-cultural values of touristic regions [14]. there are separate points where males and females should use these resources. For example, it is forbidden in most 3.5.3. Negative Impact on Living Cost for Locals communities for males and females to swim or bath in the In tourist attraction areas, there is high tendency for local same place. Nowadays, as the tourism industry keeps traders and business people to skyrocket the prices of expanding, tourist do not tend to comply with some of these commodities because of the high arrival of tourists. During traditions and norms. Male can wear swim suit and females this period, no distinction is made in prices for locals or Biki and other transparent beach clothes and use the beaches, tourists. This high cost of living affects local people, because waterfalls together. With the exception of urban areas, local tourists normally brought with them enough money to meet communities deemed this practice by tourists as odd according their needs and demands. to their tradition. The literature acknowledges that because of

European Business & Management 2020; 6(6): 128-135 134

Figure 4. Impact of tourism on living expenditure.

From figure 4, 52% of the respondents agreed and 21% sustainability in order to solve tourism related problems such as strongly agreed that tourism increased the living expenditure unemployment among locals. Lastly, the government should of the locals. However, a total of 10% held an opposite view establish nationwide arts and cultural training centers where (disagreed and strongly disagreed) while 17% reserved their locals will be trained to fit in to the modern tourism and opinions on the matter. Hateftabar and Chapuis asserted that hospitality needs. Also, locals should be trained on marketing if local residents opined that tourism positive impacts are and business planning so as to enable them to sustainably start more than the negative ones, the outcome of cost-benefit and managed local tourism related businesses. analysis will be positive and they will throw their support for tourism development and vice versa [10]. References 4. Conclusion and Policy [1] Bires, Z., and Raj, S. (2020). Tourism as a pathway to livelihood diversification: Evidence from biosphere reserves, Recommendations Ethiopia. Tourism Management 81, 104159 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2020.104159. In Sierra Leone, the tourism industry is key to long-term growth and competitiveness. The result of this study revealed [2] Kozhokulov, S., Chen, X., Yang, D., Issanova, G., tourism has provided employment opportunities for locals. The Samarkhanov, K., and Aliyeva, S. (2019). Assessment of sector has promoted cultural exchange between local and Tourism Impact on the Socio-Economic Spheres of the Issyk-Kul Region (Kyrgyzstan). Sustainability, 11, 3886; doi: foreigners. There are both positive and negative impacts stated 10.3390/su11143886. by respondents which scale and magnitude cannot be elucidated here. Tourism if taken as priority has tremendous potential to [3] World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) - Tanzania lift lots of people out of poverty in Sierra Leone. Therefore it is (2017). “Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2017, Tanzania”. Travel and Tourism Council, London, UK. recommended that the hopes and aspirations of the poor and marginalized should be factored in the formulation or review [4] Chulaphan, W., and Barahona, J. F., (2018). Contribution of of national tourism policies and legislation. For example China disaggregated tourism on Thailand's economic growth. has recorded a massive reduction in the number of people Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences 39, 401-406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.kjss.2017.07.012. living in poverty due to formation and implementation of the “Poverty Alleviation Tourism Policy (PATP)” [22]. It is [5] Government of Sierra Leone (2019). Sierra Leone’s inevitable that tourism have negative impacts on destination medium-term national developmen plan 2019–2023. regions. An ideal approach is to raise awareness among locals [6] Matias, A., Nijkamp, P., and Sarmento, M. (2001). Tourism on the possible direct and indirect socioeconomic impacts of Economics, Impact Analysis. Springer Heidelberg Dordrecht tourism on their local community [10]. A community centered London New York. approach will help local communities to be aware of tourism [7] Shakya, M. (2009). Competitiveness Assessment of Tourism in and its products. The Government of Sierra Leone and its Sierra Leone A Cluster-Based Approach. Policy Research development partners should more focus on pro-poor tourism, Working Paper 5083 Available at community-based tourism, eco-tourism and sustainable tourism http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/78675146810405 that give priority to local communities’ economic and social 9940/pdf/WPS5083.pdf. 135 Alpha Thullah and Hongna Liu: The Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism Development in Sierra Leone: A Pilot Study

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